Moreno Valley Dental Care Blog

Few things can be as embarrassing as chronic bad breath. In addition to affecting your social life, halitosis may also be a sign of serious dental issues. Dr. Naik discusses the causes of bad breath and the steps you can take to keep your breath fresh.

Causes of Bad Breath

What causes bad breath? A variety of factors can lead to bad breath. Once common cause is dry mouth. When we take certain medications or drink products containing caffeine, the saliva in our mouth dries up. Saliva is the body’s natural means of cleansing the mouth of bacteria and food particles. Without saliva, bacteria thrive, breaking down food particles and releasing foul odors. Poor oral hygiene, such as rarely brushing or flossing, also allows bacteria to multiply and feed on stray food debris. Finally, one of the early symptoms of gum disease is bad breath. Gum disease occurs when bacteria irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis. Over time, the gums may start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets at the gum line. When bacteria invade these pockets, the onset of gum disease begins. If left untreated, gum disease may lead to sore gums and even tooth loss.

Keep Your Breath Fresh

How do you fight bad breath? First, always maintain proper dental habits. You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and always rinse afterward with an antibacterial mouthwash. These simple measures help remove the bacteria and food particles that cause halitosis. You should also attend regular checkups and cleanings with Dr.Naik. During a checkup and cleaning, Dr. Naik will pinpoint the cause of your bad breath and prescribe the treatment necessary to ensure good dental health and fresh, clean breath. Finally, cut down on foods high in sugars and other starches. These foods and drinks can often lead to dry mouth and plaque buildup, which eventually cause bad breath and the development of gum disease or tooth decay.

Schedule an Appointment

Our dental practice enthusiastically shares our knowledge and skill set with patients to maintain smiles’ health and vitality. We listen. We care. Dr. Naik looks forward to giving you and others in Moreno Valley, CA the gift of a lovely smile. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment 951-924-2700!

Which do you use, a manual or an electric toothbrush? While both provide the care necessary to help your smile remain free of decay or gum disease, many people ask which is the better choice. Dr. Naik explains the key differences between electric and manual toothbrushes, while offering tips on proper brushing techniques.

The Advantages of Electric Brushes

According to the American Dental Association, both electric and manual toothbrushes will successfully clean your teeth if used properly. From there, the issue becomes one of preference. Some people have difficulty with their dexterity. Whether due to age or arthritis, in these cases an electric toothbrush often makes thorough brushing easier. Parents sometimes prefer electric toothbrushes for their children simply because kids find the electric models fun. So, which do you prefer? Remember, when choosing a brush, electric or manual, always look for the seal of approval from the American Dental Association.

Brush Your Teeth Correctly

To keep your teeth happy and healthy, you should brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. Try to brush for a minimum of two minutes, taking care to reach the molars in the back of the mouth, as well as the inner surfaces of your teeth. When you brush, avoid rough, horizontal strokes. This can irritate your gums and wear away the enamel on your teeth. Use soft, short, circular movements instead. Replace your toothbrush, or in the case of the electric models, the head, often. Harmful bacteria can adhere to the bristles of your brush, especially after a bout with illness. To prevent reintroducing bacteria, make sure your bristles are dry before each use and regularly replace your brush or brush head. Correct brushing helps your smile stay free of unsightly stains, tooth decay, and even the harmful symptoms of gum disease.

Schedule an Appointment with Moreno Valley Dentist

Our dental practice enthusiastically shares our knowledge and skill set with patients to maintain smiles’ health and vitality. We listen. We care. Dr. Naik looks forward to giving you and others in Moreno Valley the gift of a lovely smile. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment at 951-924-2700!

Many people don’t realize that they may be brushing their teeth incorrectly. In fact, most people aren’t brushing nearly long enough and others are brushing in ways that may actually damage their teeth and gums. When we don’t brush correctly, we don’t remove the plaque and stray food particles that expose our teeth to tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Naik would like to take the time to offer a few tips on the best ways to brush to ensure optimal dental health.

Brushing Your Teeth

First off, how often should you brush? Many people assume they only need to brush a few times a week or at the most, once a day. To keep your smile healthy and happy, you should brush twice a day, every day, typically in the morning and again before bed. When picking your brush, aim for one with soft bristles. The American Dental Association recommends soft bristles due the fact that hard or medium bristles may actually wear away the enamel on the surface of your teeth. Try to brush your teeth for at least two minutes to ensure that all of your teeth, including the inner-facing sides, receive the right amount of attention. Set a timer for two minutes the next time you brush. You may be surprised at how much brushing you’re been skipping!

What Not To Do

When brushing your teeth, try not to brush too vigorously or too roughly. Also, avoid horizontal strokes. Brushing too roughly or using horizontal strokes can actually irritate your gums and teeth. Your strokes should be short, circular movements that cover every part of the tooth surface. In order to prevent bacteria from adhering to your toothbrush bristles, you should replace your toothbrush often, especially after an illness. Make sure your bristles are dry before each use and follow up each brushing with a rinse of water, or preferably, antibacterial mouthwash. Remember, brushing correctly helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Schedule an Appointment

Our dental practice enthusiastically shares our knowledge and skill set with patients to maintain smiles’ health and vitality. We listen. We care. Dr. Naik looks forward to giving you and others in Moreno Valley the gift of a lovely smile. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment at 951-924-2700.

A healthy diet protects both your teeth and your overall health. Many people don’t realize how beneficial proper nutrition can be for their smiles. A healthy meal aids in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, avoiding foods and drinks detrimental to your dental health also help prevent tooth stains. In order to keep your smile beautiful and bright, Dr. Naik would like to discuss some tips for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

Foods to Avoid

When we consume foods and drinks high in sugars and other starches, we increase the presence of oral acids in our mouths. These acids lead to enamel erosion, weakening our teeth’s defenses against bacteria. Over time, our teeth become vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated, patients may even run the risk of suffering from a dental abscess, or infected tooth. When possible, try to avoid snacks such as chips or candy and cut down on the consumption of sodas or other caffeinated drinks.

Healthy Substitutes

Instead of indulging in foods and drinks high in sugar, try substituting unhealthy snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables. While certain fruits, such as apples, contain sugar, they also contain high amounts of water to help cleanse the sugar from your teeth. For people who chew gum, switch to a sugar-free alternative. Sugar-free gum helps patients avoid decay while increasing the production of saliva, your body’s natural means of rinsing away sugar and food particles. Tea sweetened with artificial sweeteners or sparkling water offer refreshing alternatives to sugar-laden soft drinks.

Preventive Care

Along with eating a proper diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, patients should also practice regular dental maintenance. Always brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, as well. These simple steps help your mouth stay free of harmful bacteria and stray food particles, helping prevent tooth decay and keeping your smile free of unsightly discoloration.

Schedule an Appointment

Our dental practice enthusiastically shares our knowledge and skill set with patients to maintain smiles’ health and vitality. We listen. We care. Dr. Naik looks forward to giving you and others in Moreno Valley the gift of a lovely smile. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment at 951-924-2700.

This month marks the 6 years Anniversary of Moreno Valley Dental Care. Thank you to all our patients who have made us grow. It has been a good experience with challenges and successes. Dr. Naik has found a great joy in practicing dentistry in Moreno Valley. Thanks to our wonderful staff who make it possible for us to provide excellent service to our patients. We are committed to keeping the quality of care high as we move forward to the future. We promise the dentistry and our attention to you will always be our top priority. We look forward to many more years of providing Dental services in Moreno Valley area and surrounding communities.

Thank You very much to all of you who continue to value our work and referring new patients.